Ca$h' n Gun$
I recently picked up a copy of the newly re-released game Cash n Guns by Asmodee Editions. This game can be played in less than half an hour and is for 4-6 players (ages 10+). I recently broke it out with a group of players who I usually don't play with and it was a great success. So for your consideration......
Game Bits
When you crack open this box you will find a number of great components. The first thing you will want to have a look at is the wonderful rulebook that comes with game. Although it's not much to look at the rules do a wonderful job explaining game play. After only a couple minutes you will find yourself ready to play the game. The best components in the game are sets of very well illustrated cards that are used to drive the game play. The images are designed in a cartoonish fashion that really contributes to keeping the atmosphere of the game fun and light.
Of course, I'm sure you are waiting for me to get to the real point! What do the Cash and Guns look like? The truth is that they are quite good. The bills are printed on very solid cardboard that is very durable and should hold up for the long haul. The guns are made of a solid foam stock that feels pretty good in your hand. Some people have replaced these guns with hard plastic toys but I think I prefer the foam. Part of the fun of the game is being able to jam your gun into another players temple when you're in the mood! The biggest problem with the guns (and for some people it is a big one) is that they are a bright orange. In the original printing the guns were black but today's politically correct climate the publisher thought it wise to make guns that clearly resemble toys.
Game Play
As usual I won't go into a detailed explanation of turn by turn play (for that see BGG). I am more interested in imparting the feel of the game play. If I had to compare this to any other game it would be poker. It is a game of bluffing and calling with a little bit of calculating built in.
Each turn everyone decides whether to load their gun with a bullet or a blank (their is a little more to it but that is the basic idea). Everyone then chooses who to target and then each player is given an opportunity to lay down their gun if they think they are being aimed at by a live bullet. It is at this point that everyone shows their cards (literally) and you see who is alive and who is dead. After this each player who is still standing divides the loot. This is done 8 times in total. At the end of the game the player who has the most money (and is still alive) wins the game.
The game play is actually very good and leads to an energetic atmosphere. It is obviously faster and lighter than poker and has the advantage of being very inclusive.
Final Thoughts
This game is a lot of fun but it has a very different feel depending on what optional rules you decide to use.
Basic Game: This is the game that you can play 5 minutes after opening the box. It is the best way to teach people the game and will leave you wanting to play a more advanced version. It is a great game for breaking the ice with a gaming group.
Basic game + power cards: This is probably the best version of the game. In this version each player gets one card that gives them a special ability. It is just enough variety to keep the game interesting and you will find that it only improves the atmosphere created by the game.
Basic game + power cards + cop and robbers: The truth is that I thought this was the worst version of the game. When I played it with my group I found that it just resulted in everyone holding on to their bullets until the last two rounds of the game. The other issue is that arose was that on one occasion the police officer was unable to call for re-inforcements which ends up leading to a bit of a let down. It seems to me that this version of the game builds in more tension but at the cost of some of the fun.
Overall I give this game a 8/10 for what it is. It's a great ice breaking game that can be played in half an hour or less and it can really bring people together.
Canadian Gamer (Jason)
